In contrast to recent years, Premier League teams, or at least the Northern tracks, are making quick progress in filling team places. The six tracks in the Northern quaifying group for the Premier National Trophy are all well on the way to sorting out their teams for 2000.
Workington were first off the mark and have now completed their team. Carl Stonehewer, Brent Werner, Peter Karlsson, Barry Campbell, and Darren Groves from their 1999 team have been joined by Mick Powell and one time Monarchs' target Lee Smethills. If all of this team hit their best form consistently, then the Comets could well run away with the title. However, Carl Stonehewer may be distracted by his Grand Prix involvement. Also several of their team are on low averages because of inconsistency in form during 1999. This applies particularly to Mick Powell, Brent Werner, Peter Karlsson and Barry Campbell. Unless this inconsistency is eliminated Comets' prospects will suffer.
Newcastle have signed a strong top four using Jesper Olsen and Stuart Swales from the 1999 team and newcomers Bjarne Pedersen and Will Beveridge. Stuart Swales has proved an excellent second string in the past but has yet to prove himself as heat leader. Beveridge has had some experience as heat leader for Glasgow without doing much. They have just over twelve points available for their bottom three and could end up yet again with two three-point reserves.
Berwick appear to have signed five heat leaders already! Alan Mogridge came in on a low average to join Czech signing Michal Makowsky, Paul Bentley and Scott Smith. Since then doubts have been expressed if Makowsky is eligable for the Premier League given his appearance in the World Team Cup. He would have faced a 7.50 average in the Elite League and hence ought to be excluded from the Premier League. Before this had been clarified, Scott Lamb appears also to be have been signed. If Scott is to replace the Czech, this will permit Berwick to retain David Meldrum and Freddy Stephenson and add a new three-point reserve. This team should be powerful if rather top-heavy.
Glasgow have retained Les Collins and Emiliano Sanchez and added Aiden Collins plus James Grieves. They are still after a third heat leader having failed to sign André Compton, Robert Eriksson, Scott Lamb and Ross Brady. The obvious move would appear to be to go for David Walsh. This would leave enough points to complete the team with Sean Courtney and Brian Turner.
Sheffield have lost André Compton to Peterbrough and have released Scott Smith to sign for Berwick. With Robbie Kessler joining Sean Wilson and Simon Stead at heat leader, Tigers will have enough room to retain Paul Lee and Simon Cartwright at second string provided that two three-point reserves are brought in. Adam Allott and Andrew Moore are possibles here.
Edinburgh are close to finalizing their team, which would appear to be based on the 'famous five' that finished last season except, of course, that Robert Eriksson replaces James Grieves. The two reserve places could be filled by the mystery newcomer and David McAllan if he is proved fit enough.
There is nothing like this level of activity from the tracks in the Southern Preemier National Trophy qualification group. The Isle of Wight have signed Phillipe Berg&eacte; and Danny Bird. Exeter have signed Seemond Stephens and Swindon have picked up Claus Kristensen from Berwick. Nothing at all has appeared from Newport, Stoke, Arena Essex, or Reading. It is possible that team building on the Southern tracks will pick up once the Elite League teams are sorted-out.
The progress by the Northern tracks is remarkable when it is considered that this time last year it was not certain if Berwick, Newcastle, or Glasgow would even be running in 1999.
Possible Teams: Northern Tracks